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6 Things to do When Visiting UVM for the Full College Experience

Erica Houskeeper

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For high school students, junior and senior year are a busy time for college campus visits. College visits are a perfect way to learn about campus culture and student life. Want to make the most out of your college visit to UVM? Manny Tejeda of UVM Admissions offers some advice.

Soaking up the College Experience at UVM

Attend a group information session and tour.

Explore the beautiful Burlington campus, located in Vermont’s largest city. UVM was founded in 1791 and the fifth oldest university in New England (after Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth, and Brown). Get a glimpse of the UVM college experience by attending an information session and student-guided walking tour of central campus (unless otherwise noted, these sessions start at Admissions Visitors Center, 184 South Prospect Street). The program generally lasts two hours.

Talk with at least two current students

College visits provide you with an opportunity to ask questions and address any concerns. Put together a list of three to four questions about academics and life on campus. For example, do most students live on campus? What career planning services are available? How many students stay on campus on weekends? Ask those questions to every person you meet at UVM – and talk to students besides the tour guide.

Go to a class or meet with someone from your intended college

Attending a class is one of the best ways to get a feel for the academic environment at UVM. It’s a way for you to see how students and professors interact, and what technology is utilized. Be sure to arrive on time and introduce yourself to the professor beforehand. Meeting one-on-one with a faculty member at your intended college will also give you a sense of the curriculum, course load, and expectations of students. Reach out the UVM Admissions Individual Visit Coordinator to set up a class visit or meeting with a faculty member.

Do something on every level of the Davis Center

The Davis Center is the student center and epicenter of student activity at UVM. The Davis Center is where you’ll find events, lectures, food, and more. Visit the UVM Bookstore, grab coffee at Henderson’s Café, or enjoy lunch at New World Tortilla.

Go downtown to Church Street (via the free College Street Shuttle)

Church Street in the heart of Burlington is one of the most popular destinations in Vermont. Visit the city’s brick and cobblestone pedestrian marketplace and find dozens of locally-owned restaurants, food cart vendors, shops, and cafes, as well as a variety of outdoor entertainment. Whether you’re a foodie, shopping enthusiast, fan of architecture or music lover, Church Street is a place worth visiting to experience the best of Burlington.

Make it social media official with a #UVMselfie on your #UVMvisit

Delve deeper into campus life on social media, where you’ll find flash mob videos on YouTube and Instagram photos of sunsets over Lake Champlain. Social media at UVM offers a glimpse at the moments that make up life at UVM. Be sure to use the #UVMselfie or #UVMvisit hashtag during your visit!

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Admissions programs for undergraduate students, early action.

Students applying as first-year degree-seeking students who wish to learn of their admission decision by late December may apply by November 1 under the Early Action program. Applicants admitted under Early Action have until May 1 to pay an acceptance fee and do not have to make a binding commitment to attend the university.

Some Early Action candidates will be deferred until the admissions office has reviewed all first-year applicants for fall admission. Deferred applications are automatically reviewed again and decisions are generally released by early March. Early Action candidates may also be denied admission and do not have the option of reapplying for entry as a regular decision candidate. Early Action applicants may also be offered the wait list, spring semester (Winter Cat) admission or an invitation to the Catamount Advance program after review is complete in early March.

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Students applying as first-year degree-seeking students who wish to learn of their admission decision by early December may apply by November 1 under the binding Early Decision program. Applicants admitted under Early Decision will be required to pay their acceptance fee typically three weeks from the time of admission (the official date will is listed in the admissions letter).

Some Early Decision candidates will be deferred until the admissions office has reviewed all first-year applicants for fall admission. Deferred applications are released from a binding decision, automatically reviewed again and decisions are generally released by early March. Early Decision candidates may also be denied admission and do not have the option of reapplying for entry as a regular decision candidate. Early Decision applicants may also be offered the wait list, spring semester (Winter Cat) admission or an invitation to the Catamount Advance program after review is complete in early March.

Regular Decision

Students may apply as first-year degree-seeking students by January 15 for consideration for fall semester entrance. Students who complete their application for admission will be notified of an admissions decision by early March. Regular decision applicants who are not admitted into the fall semester may be denied admission, offered the waitlist, spring semester (Winter Cat) admission, or an invitation to the Catamount Advance program.

Spring Admission (Winter Cat) for Early Action, Early Decision or Regular Decision applicants

Selected students who apply for fall admission may be offered admission beginning in the spring semester. Admission offers for spring admission are subject to college or school space availability. Students offered spring admission (Winter Cat) will be asked to confirm their intention to enroll by May 1. Winter Cat students may enroll in college coursework in the fall, but may not enroll as a matriculated student elsewhere. Students who applied for fall and were offered admission as a Winter Cat may not defer their admission to a future semester; they will need to reapply.

Catamount Advance Program

Selected students who apply for fall admission may be offered admission into the Catamount Advance program. The Catamount Advance program allows students in select majors to start at UVM in the fall semester as a non-degree student. Catamount Advance students take pre-selected courses in the fall and spring semesters, live together in a designated residential space, and receive special support from a Catamount Advance-specific professional advisor. Upon successful completion of this program (by receiving a 2.5 GPA after the first semester and a cumulative a 2.8 GPA at the end of second semester), students are offered full admission as a Sophomore for the following fall. Students invited to the Catamount Advance program will be asked to confirm their intention to enroll by May 1 (students are not able to defer their admission). Financial aid is not available for the Catamount Advance program but students are eligible for financial aid and scholarships when enrolled for Sophomore year.

New England Regional Tuition Break Program

The University of Vermont participates with the other public two-and four-year institutions of higher education in the six New England states in the New England Board of Higher Education’s (NEBHE) Tuition Break Program, an option aimed at increasing educational opportunities for the region’s students. All approved programs can be accessed from the New England Board of Higher Education website.

New England resident students enrolling in an approved program are charged 175% of in-state tuition.

For a full listing of eligible UVM programs and policies, visit the New England Board of Higher Education website.

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The All-Inclusive Belmont Experience

To truly experience campus, you must see it in person. Belmont University is open for campus visits weekdays and select Saturdays where you'll meet current students and see our beautiful campus in the heart of Nashville. Whether you are beginning your college search or wish for a more inclusive visit, Admissions has three visit opportunities designed to exceed your expectations, leaving you with the desire to  become a Bruin .

Undergraduate Campus Visit (Weekdays)

Our Undergraduate Campus Visit provides an all inclusive visit.

Visits Include:

• Admissions Information Session and Campus Tour
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• Pre-Health Program Information Session ( Fridays Only )

Preview Days (Saturdays)

Preview Days provide a full-day, comprehensive visit for prospective students, while exploring aspects of academics, student life and admissions. Each event includes the following:

• Student Life Panel
• Academic Session and Open House with Current Students and Faculty
• Campus Tour
• Admissions & Financial Aid Information Session
• Lunch on Campus
• Optional Evening Activities

(Approximately 6.5 hours)

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Group Visit Information add

We welcome groups and organizations (between 15-75 persons) to join a weekday walking tour and optional admissions information session.

Belmont's Office of Admissions offers a walking tour of campus at 11 a.m. These last from 30-45 minutes, and are an outside tour of campus. If you select an Admissions Information Session, it will be scheduled at 10:30 a.m. Admissions Information Sessions are only available for groups visiting with students who are in high school. Groups with students in the 8th grade and under are invited to join us for a walking tour of campus.

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• 8 of the Most Charming Small Towns to Visit in Vermont

In the New England region of Northeast America lies a landlocked state, also dubbed the Green Mountain State, popular for the forests that corner it, the mountainous terrain that includes the famous Green Mountains, and its much-respected maple syrup.

Known for its liberal politics, Vermont also happens to be the second least populous state in the United States of America . This state is a regular tourist spot as thousands of people from different parts of the world throng in, especially during fall, to witness its fall foliage.

The natural landscape of Vermont is an immersive and exciting experience for tourists. This state’s small size and population make it the ideal vacation destination, as you can enjoy the charm and idyllic nature of the town. If you want to visit Vermont for leisure, then you should check out these eight charming towns that will make your holiday worthwhile.

Situated along the Mad River Valley, which provides water power for the town's mills, Waitsfield was created in February 1782 by a small Vermont charter and later named after General Benjamin Wait. Waitsfield has since evolved from an agrarian town to being a desired tourist destination popularly known for its ski resorts.

For an unforgettable experience, you have to begin at Mad River Glen, which has one of the most unique and challenging ski experiences in the East. The town is really invested in skiing, and you would meet most of the locals there.

You could also experience the arts and culture scene in Waitsfield at the Big Picture Theater and Cafe and the Mad River Glass Gallery. For the best hiking and biking experience, you should pay a visit to the Mad River Path, as it has a network of trails that you would not find anywhere in the country.

Founded in 1749 and located in southwest Vermont is Bennington , one of the earliest settlements in Vermont, which is famous for its role in the Revolutionary War , particularly the 1777 Battle of Bennington . Following the war, the Battle of Bennington monument was erected to commemorate the victory.

The monument is the tallest structure in Vermont, and visitors can get a view of the obelisk from a distance.

The Bennington Museum has an impressive collection of artifacts and art, such as the Grandma Moses collection, which is an ideal spot for history enthusiasts. You can also visit the Bennington Center for Arts to see more paintings and collections.

Willow Park, downtown Bennington, has a large playground for kids, an 18-hole disc golf course, and athletic fields, which you can visit during the day. You might also like to visit Bennington College and Burt Henry Covered Bridge to learn about the great history of the town.

Just thirty minutes off Bennington is Manchester , the second shire county in Bennington, Vermont. This town is the favorite tourist destination for folks coming from New York and Connecticut looking for a place to stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Amongst the many landmarks and attractions in Manchester is the Hildene Mansion. The Georgian Revival-style mansion is the summer home of Robert Todd Lincoln, the only child of President Abraham Lincoln .

Mount Equinox is one of the popular sights in the town and is good for hiking. In Manchester, the Riverwalk offers a scenic exploration along the West Branch of the Battenkill, distinct from the nearby Mount Equinox, where the Southern Vermont Arts Center (SVAC) provides cultural enrichment with art exhibitions and collections from regional artists such as Robert Strong Woodward and Ogden Pleissner.

Chartered in 1761, Woodstock is the shire town of Windsor County. The rapid development of Woodstock was due to the abundant water power of the Ottauquechee River, which also facilitated the development of various mills along the river path.

The town's unwavering commitment to preserving and appreciating the natural environment has earned it the status of the prettiest small town in America, as its scenic mountain and forest backdrop is constantly maintained. Sites of interest in Woodstock include the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Park, which provides amazing insights into America's history.

The Lincoln-covered bridge built in 1877 will grab your attention if you are a history buff, as well as the Billings Farm and Museum, which provides visitors an opportunity to learn about sustainable farm practices and 19th-century farm activities. Woodstock Historical Society & Dana House Museum houses paintings, textiles, and clothing that you might love.

Brattleboro

Sited in southeast Vermont, Brattleboro is a charming town with a rich history and a vibrant arts scene. Popularly known as the Gateway to Vermont, Brattleboro offers visitors a perfect blend of cultural attractions and outdoor adventures.

The Brattleboro Museum & Art Center is a popular attraction in town as it showcases contemporary art exhibitions and gives insight into regional history. For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Connecticut River offers opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and scenic boat tours. The Gibson Aiken Center and Living Memorial Park are great spots to host the family.

Brattleboro hosts various festivals and events to celebrate the town's culture and heritage, and you do not want to miss them. The Strolling of the Heifers Parade is held annually in June. This unique parade features colorful floats, live music, and herds of decorated cows, referencing Vermont's agricultural heritage.

St. Johnsbury

Located in Vermont's idyllic Northeast Kingdom, St. Johnsbury is a charming town renowned in history and surrounded by natural beauty. In the mid-19th century, it was a minor manufacturing center for scales and Maple syrup.

The town is deeply connected to its roots and places such as St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, a historic library and art gallery where you can see a collection of fine art and rare books, and the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium, where visitors can explore exhibits on natural history, science is a must-visit location.

Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby trails of the Kingdom Trails network for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. Cherry House Bed and Breakfast and Fairbanks Inn are spots in town where you can enjoy the food and hospitality of the town.

St. Johnsbury hosts the Colors of the Kingdom Autumn in September, during which you can enjoy live music, craft vendors, and seasonal activities.

Nestled in the Green Mountains is a charming town, also known as the birthplace of Vermont. This town is called Windsor, and its history dates back to the colonial era. Interestingly, Windsor is home to the Old Constitution House, which housed the creation of Vermont's first constitution, which was adopted in 1777.

Do not miss an opportunity to visit the American Precision Museum for a glimpse into the innovation and manufacturing history of America. The Ascutney Trails are perfect for hiking and mountain biking and getting acquainted with stunning views of the countryside.

Windsor also hosts several festivals, such as the Vermont History Expo in June, where visitors can immerse themselves in Vermont's rich cultural heritage. In September, the town comes alive with the annual Vermont Golden Honey Festival, celebrating the state's beekeeping industry.

Newport is said to be the most charming town in all of Vermont. By experiencing the stunning views of the mountainside, you would tell a tale of the most beautiful place you have seen.

The all-year-round recreational nature of this town makes it a popular destination for both outdoor and nature enthusiasts. For the best local food and accommodation, try the Newport Motel, Derby Four Seasons, or Tavern on the Hill. For outdoor adventure, the incredible Mount Pisgah State Park has miles of hiking trails overlooked by the breathtaking sights of Lake Memphremagog and the surrounding countryside. Be sure to experience the annual Winter Festival in February and the Newport Jazz Festival in the summer, where you can enjoy excellent jazz music from world-renowned musicians. Do not miss a visit to the MAC Center for the Arts, where the works of local artists and artisans are displayed.

Discover Vermont's Quiet Charm

If you enjoy beautiful landscapes and small charming towns, Vermont is your ideal destination. With a rich historical connection, tranquility, and beautifully colored horizons, Vermont offers a breathtaking yet simple getaway from whatever may stress you. These towns are the finer things of life on a platter of gold. You should take up this offer and live life to the fullest and best, even if it is for just a while.

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How to Visit Campus

Are you ready to plan your UNH campus visit and tour our campus? Prospective students have told us they love visiting UNH over the summer. You can grab an ice cream at the Campus Creamery, enjoy the beautiful weather and — the best part — see everything UNH has to offer with your own eyes .

What is a campus visit? Is a campus visit worth it? A college tour is the best way to see campus buildings and areas of student life with your own eyes and decide on the best college for you. Read on to learn how to plan your UNH visit and what it will include!

Why should I visit UNH?

Visiting UNH will enable you to see the campus for yourself , including residence halls, dining halls, classroom buildings, student life facilities and so much more. You’ll also be able to ask specific questions you may have about UNH and hear the perspective of a current student (your tour guide).

How can I sign up for a tour and information session?

Visit here  to sign up for a tour and information session! You’ll be able to choose the date and time that work for you.

Who will lead my tour?

Your tour of UNH will be led by a current UNH student tour guide . These students love UNH and can’t wait to share with you everything about campus , talk about their UNH experience and answer all your questions !

How long is a UNH campus tour?

Your tour (including a brief information session at the beginning) will last about  1 hour and 30 minutes total. At the end of this time, you will have the opportunity to ask your tour guide more questions and meet with admissions counselors in Smith Hall, our admissions building. 

What will my campus tour be like?

You'll be walking a lot, so wear comfy shoes and dress for the weather! Your tour guide will stop at various indoor and outdoor locations around campus to talk about that location and answer any questions. 

Tour stops may include:

• A residence hall and room
• The MUB (student union)
• The Hamel Recreation Center 
• Dining areas
• Dimond Library
• An academic building & classrooms

What will my information session be like?

All tours start with a brief information session with UNH undergraduate admissions . This is your chance to learn some background information about our campus and location . It is also an opportunity to ask any questions you may have before starting the tour.

What should I ask on my tour?

Your campus tour is your chance to explore campus fully and learn more about the experience of a real student (your tour guide). Every question is a good question! Here are a few ideas if you're not sure what to ask your tour guide:

• "Why did you choose UNH?"
• "What's your favorite thing about UNH?"
• "How did UNH prepare you for deciding what you want to do after graduation?"
• "How have you found friends and community on campus?"
• "If we have time after the tour, what else do you recommend we check out at UNH and in Durham?"

What if I can’t visit in person?

If you can’t visit UNH in person, visit this page to learn about other visit options and check out our virtual tour for a 360-degree experience!

You are going places. This summer, make UNH one of them!

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Streets may be cluttered with college graduation visitors. Know when and where to avoid.

May and early June is college commencement season and that means some parts of Vermont could swell with visitors and activities.

Graduations could cause congestion for travelers and locals alike between the colleges in the county − the University of Vermont and Champlain College in Burlington; St. Michael's College in Colchester; Community College of Vermont in Winooski and the former Vermont Tech in Williston that is now part of Vermont State University − and Middlebury College which is an hour south of Burlington.

From road closures and travel impacts to which areas will likely see an influx of people at specific times, here's what to know − and possibly avoid − during the busy month of graduations.

Graduation dates across the area

• Saturday, May 11 − Champlain College Commencement Expo Center in Essex Junction, 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• Sunday, May 12 − St. Michael's College Commencement Ross Sports Center on campus, 10 a.m.
• Saturday & Sunday, May 18 and 19 − University of Vermont Commencement Various UVM locations and the Flynn theater, two ceremonies Saturday lasting from 12:30 to 6 p.m. and eight ceremonies Sunday beginning as early as Noon and lasting until as late as 7 p.m.
• Sunday, May 19 − Vermont State University Williston & Randolph Commencement VTSU Randolph campus, 4 p.m.
• Sunday, May 26 − Middlebury College Commencement Central College Lawn on campus, 10 a.m.
• Saturday, June 1 − Community College of Vermont Norwich University in Northfield, 2 p.m.

Which areas will be busy for graduation

Burlington-based Champlain College's two commencement ceremonies will be at the Expo Center in Essex Junction and, therefore, should have limited impact on travel in the city. Likewise, St. Michael's College in Colchester and Middlebury College are planning exercises on campus so traffic concerns are low. Due to their statewide network of campuses, Community College of Vermont and Vermont State University Williston will have ceremonies at some of their larger campuses away from the most populated areas of the state.

The University of Vermont, however, which has more than 12,000 students and is near the heart of Burlington, will have the greatest impact on local travel including road closures. Over the course of the weekend, 10 graduation ceremonies will take place across different areas of campus and the Flynn theater downtown.

Here are the anticipated Burlington road closures from Friday, May 17 through Monday, May 19:

• Closed Friday, May 17 from 7 a.m. until Monday, May 20 at 4 p.m.University Place from Colchester Avenue to Main Street.
• Closed Friday, May 17 from 7 p.m. to Sunday, May 19 as late as 9 p.m.South Prospect Street. from College Street. to the University Health Center entrance.
• Closed Sunday, May 19 from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.South Prospect Street from Colchester Avenue to Main Street. College Street from South Prospect Street to South Williams Street.Main Street. (northern most west bound lane) from University Heights Road to South Prospect Street.

Shuttle buses will also be running people between parking areas and ceremony locations.

Commencement speakers

Vermont colleges tend to attract notable speakers for commencement addresses.

This year UVM's speaker attracted the ire of some students who are calling for a ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas that is impacting Palestinian civilians. They pointed out Linda Thomas-Greenfield , who is the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and was the planned speaker for UVM commencement exercises, has vetoed U.N. Security Council ceasefire resolutions in Gaza on three occasions. Students have set up an encampment on campus, like other schools across the country, and have five demands. One of their demands is to remove Thomas-Greenfield as commencement speaker and not confer an honorary University of Vermont degree on her, which was granted.

Middlebury College has also set up an encampment in support of a Middle East ceasefire, but commencement is not tied to their demonstration. Middlebury welcomes Terry Tempest Williams , who is an author, naturalist and social justice advocate, to be the keynote speaker at commencement. Among her notable works is a 1991 memoir which was among the early works linking environmental issues to social justice.

Champlain College graduates will get to hear from Marcelle Leahy , registered nurse, humanitarian and wife of longtime Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy during their graduation. Leahy has served on a variety of healthcare boards and is a melanoma survivor. She has championed access to healthcare, economic opportunity, justice, equal rights, and bringing people together across political boundaries, according to a news release from the college.

St. Michael's College will hear from Ansel Augustine , the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Assistant Director of African American Affairs of the Secretariat of Cultural Diversity. Augustine serves on the Board of Trustees for St. Michael's College. He is an author and speaker who started out in youth ministry at a New Orleans parish and also serves on the faculty of Xavier University and Loyola University, both in Louisiana.

Community College of Vermont graduates will hear from Aly Richards . She is the CEO of Let's Grow Kids , a statewide policy group advocating for early childhood education and supports for families. Under her leadership, the organization helped lead efforts to pass legislation creating free, universal pre-kindergarten in Vermont.

This story may be updated.

Contact reporter   April Barton at  [email protected]  or 802-660-1854. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter,  @aprildbarton .

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News in pursuit of truth

At UVM, a fraught school year ends in protest over destruction in Gaza

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BURLINGTON — Last Monday, hundreds of University of Vermont students gathered around the steps of Howe Library and demanded that the school do more to help the Palestinian people.

Interspersed with chants of “free, free Palestine” and “long live Palestine,” protesters reiterated a list of demands for UVM, including divestment from Israel, cutting ties with Israeli academic institutions and canceling the commencement speech to be given by the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. 

Wafic Faour, a Palestinian activist and community member, urged students through a megaphone to continue fighting to make UVM’s campus “apartheid-free.” 

“You are bringing hope to Palestinians in every corner of this world!” Faour said.

Over the past few weeks, protests have ignited at academic institutions across the U.S., as thousands of students have pitched tent encampments on campus amid outcry over Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza.

At UVM, protesters have already notched several wins. Last week, the university agreed to release financial information about its endowment, and on Friday evening, UVM president Suresh Garimella announced the cancellation of the commencement speaker’s speech.

Those victories, however, come on the heels of months, if not years, of tensions over how the university responds to concerns raised by pro-Palestinian students and by Jewish students. 

Protesters have accused UVM administrators of hostility toward pro-Palestinian voices and say the university is not doing enough to keep Palestinian and Arab students safe on campus. Some Jewish students, meanwhile, have raised concerns that the university has not taken antisemitic acts seriously enough — a charge underscored by a federal investigation that, last year, found shortcomings in how UVM responded to alleged antisemitic incidents. 

In the final days of the academic year, the situation has created a test for university leadership: How do they respond to students who are angry, hurting and demanding action — without exacerbating those tensions?

“I think the administration is in a very difficult position,” Thomas Borchert, the faculty senate president, said in an interview on April 17 — the same day that Columbia University students set up a tent encampment on the New York City campus. 

“All of the discourse around antisemitism, or Islamophobia, and Israel — all of that heightens tensions on campus,” Borchert said, “and makes it very difficult to navigate what are already choppy waters.”

‘Deeply troubled’

On Oct. 7, Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel from Gaza, killing roughly 1,200 people and abducting about 250 others. In the following six months, Israel retaliated with an aerial and ground assault that has killed over 34,000 people and destroyed vast swaths of the territory’s homes and buildings. 

At UVM, as elsewhere, students, faculty and staff have watched in horror as the violence has unfolded. Days after the October attack, Suresh Garimella, the University of Vermont’s president, issued a statement . 

“Saturday’s horrific violence targeting Israeli civilians and the turmoil, anguish, and destruction that have followed leave us heartbroken and deeply concerned,” Garimella said. “Many among our community have family, friends, and loved ones directly affected by the violence, and still more have deep and meaningful attachments to the region and the people who live there.”

By coincidence, just weeks later, UVM faculty members were preparing to welcome Mohammed El-Kurd, a Palestinian poet, journalist and activist, who was scheduled to give a lecture at UVM’s Davis Center. 

The event had been in the works for months. But days before it was to take place, UVM’s administration decided to rescind permission for the event.

“It is our judgment, based on global, national, and local events, that we cannot adequately provide safety and security for this event as it is currently planned,” UVM’s Division of Safety & Compliance wrote in an unsigned email to the lecture’s organizers Oct. 21.

Records obtained by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, a free speech nonprofit, show that UVM administrators had received roughly 40 form emails, as well as a handful of other requests, seeking the cancellation of the event.

The emails also show that four Jewish students had met with Jennifer Strickler, the chair of the sociology department, and expressed alarm. 

“Some Jewish students are very concerned about antisemitism on campus (which has been documented as a problem that the UVM administration has not handled well),” Strickler, whose department co-sponsored the talk, wrote to one of the event organizers in an Oct. 9 email. “They are worried that El-Kurd’s speech will inflame antisemitism on campus, and they are concerned about their safety, especially in light of the war that began this past weekend.”

Bill Falls, a UVM dean, appeared to share those concerns and said he would prefer the event be postponed. 

“I am deeply troubled that our colleagues have chosen to exercise their academic freedom in this way and at this time when so many of our community are suffering,” Falls wrote in an Oct. 20 email. “I am stuck between censorship (requiring the event to be cancelled) and risking harm to the community.” 

A day later, UVM’s Division of Safety & Compliance told organizers that they could not use the space. The ultimate decision, according to a faculty review of the incident, was made by Garimella. 

‘Equitable support’ 

Organizers held the lecture online. Helen Scott, an English professor and one of the organizers of the event, said in an interview that the revocation of space for the event was “deeply distressing” — but part of a familiar pattern.

Scott is the faculty adviser to Students for Justice in Palestine, a student activist group that has spearheaded campus protests. 

“UVM has always been a hostile climate for those advocating for Palestinians,” Scott said. “Whenever I or anybody that I know has organized an event with a Palestinian speaker, we have had complaints, and there have been attempts to stop the meeting, and I’ve received threats.”

The incident, which pitted the concerns of pro-Palestinian students directly against those of some Jewish students, underscores what has been a simmering tension on UVM’s campus for months — if not years. 

Protesters charge that UVM’s administration is unfriendly to Palestinian voices and unconcerned about the safety of Palestinian students — while being much more sympathetic to Israel. Some Jewish students, meanwhile, have raised concerns about their own safety and what they see as a lackluster response to antisemitism on campus.

National advocacy organizations have reported spikes in both anti-Muslim and antisemitic incidents in the U.S. during the Israel-Hamas war. 

In late October, UVM’s Student Government Association issued a resolution condemning both the revocation of space for the talk and Garimella’s statement on Oct. 10. The cancellation of the venue amounted to “a silencing of a Palestinian voice,” the resolution reads, and Garimella’s initial statement was “not equitable in mentioning the hardships of the Palestinian community.”

“The UVM SGA encourages the UVM administration to show equitable support to Palestinian and Jewish students on campus through language used,” the resolution reads.

Adam White, a spokesperson for UVM, declined to make Garimella or other administrators available for an interview for this story last week, citing their busy schedules and the campus protests. White declined to provide answers to an emailed list of questions. 

“There will be an appropriate time to reflect on past events following the conclusion of our academic year,” White said in an email. 

But on Friday evening, Garimella released a lengthy email addressing students and community members, in which he assured students that he had heard their concerns.

“I see your efforts to bring attention to your viewpoints and to make your city and your university safe places of which you can be proud. The voices of our community are as diverse and powerful as the issues are complex and heavy,” he said. “I hear you all. I, too, wish for an end to these seemingly intractable disputes and hope that would bring us all some measure of comfort and restore our sense of security and community.”

The message went on: “There is no room at UVM for antisemitism, Islamophobia or any discrimination based on race, national origin or ancestry.”

‘We can no longer politely ask’

Roughly a month later, three young men of Palestinian descent — Hisham Awartani, Kinnan Abdalhamid and Tahseen Aliahmad — were shot on North Prospect street, near UVM’s campus. At the time of the shooting on Nov. 25, Awartani, Abdalhamid and Aliahmad, all students at out-of-state universities who were visiting Burlington, were walking in the neighborhood while wearing keffiyehs, traditional Palestinian scarves. Awartani was paralyzed from the chest down. 

A suspect, Jason Eaton, has pleaded not guilty to three counts of attempted second-degree murder. Prosecutors have not publicly identified a motive, and Eaton has not been charged with a hate crime. 

The incident drew international headlines, and UVM and Burlington reacted with an outpouring of horror and disbelief, organizing vigils and rallies in response. In the wake of the violence, Garimella announced that UVM was “enhancing security operations” on campus. 

“Our hearts go out to the victims and to all who are impacted by this incident,” Garimella said in a statement the day after the shooting. He also urged community members to “pay close attention to the sources and authenticity of information” about the shooting and to “do your part in helping to avoid speculation as the investigation progresses.” 

After the shooting, according to the Vermont Cynic , protesters marched to Garimella’s office and staged a “die-in,” lying on the floor and refusing to move, to demand that UVM do more for its Palestinian students. Students were particularly frustrated that Garimella’s initial statement did not specifically address anti-Palestinian and Islamophobic sentiment in the community. 

That frustration was evident in a February resolution issued by UVM’s student government association that urged the president to “respond with compassion, nuance, and empathy for impacted communities.”

“President Garimella’s suggestion to ‘avoid speculation’ ignores overarching national issues of Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian rhetoric surrounding recent events worldwide, that has seen an increase in violence across campus,” the resolution reads. 

‘I don’t feel safe’

Those simmering frustrations, along with a nationwide pro-Palestinian protest movement on college campuses, set the scene for the establishment of UVM’s encampment last week — the school year’s last week of classes. 

VTDigger spoke with over half a dozen pro-Palestinian protesters at UVM, nearly all of whom declined to provide their names, citing fears over safety and retaliation, such as doxxing, from pro-Israel organizations.

In interviews, protesters pointed to the cancellation of the El-Kurd lecture, as well as what some described as difficulty in getting other pro-Palestinian speakers to campus and the choice — now canceled — of Linda Thomas-Greenfield as commencement speaker, as evidence of administrators’ indifference to Palestinian voices.

Protesters see Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. ambassador to the U.N, as complicit in the U.S.’ decision to veto three U.N. resolutions calling for a ceasefire. 

The movement appears to have broad support on UVM’s campus, and includes — and, in some cases, is led by — Jewish students. A prominent sign on UVM’s encampment reads, “Jews in Solidarity With Palestine,” and on their first night, protesters held a Passover seder at the camp. VTDigger spoke with multiple Jewish students who were in support of the protest’s goals, and at least one Jewish student group has helped organize protests. 

It’s impossible to gauge the sentiment of UVM’s Jewish community as a whole, which numbers roughly 20% of the student body, according to UVM Hillel. But at least some Jewish students have raised concerns about safety on campus amid the activism. 

“No, I don’t feel safe at UVM,” said first-year student Lexi Sussan, who, on Wednesday, was among a small group of pro-Israel counterprotesters across a sidewalk from the encampment. “And I think a lot of Jewish students feel the same. We don’t want to walk alone at night. We tuck in our Jewish jewelry.”

Since Oct. 7, “I’ve sat with more students and helped them fill out bias and harassment forms due to antisemitic harassment, or questionable content in the classroom, than I ever have in the past decade-plus,” Matt Vogel, the executive director of UVM Hillel, said in an interview.

For UVM, charges of failing to address antisemitism hit close to home. In September 2022, the federal Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights opened an investigation into allegations that the university had failed to properly respond to complaints of antisemitic incidents on campus. 

In April 2023, the university announced that it had reached an agreement with the federal agency to strengthen its anti-discrimination policies and procedures and reaffirm its commitment to combating antisemitism.  

The federal agency had indeed raised concerns about the university’s handling of allegations that Jewish students were harassed or treated differently, finding that UVM had “declined to investigate any of the complaints,” even when students made “serious allegations of harassment.”

A month later, faculty and staff called on Garimella to apologize for UVM’s handling of the probe, saying that statements he made during the investigation may have discouraged students from coming forward. 

Now, some students and community members are accusing pro-Palestinian protesters of using antisemitic language, pointing to contentious rhetoric such as “ from the river to the sea ” and allegations that Israel is committing genocide.  

Other incidents have no evident connection to the protests. Last month, according to Hillel, unidentified people entered a residence hall and drew swastikas and “SS” signs on whiteboards. And earlier this year, students found a swastika drawn in the snow in a parking lot.

“UVM hasn’t said anything about the antisemitism on campus,” said Halle Sisenwine, a fourth-year Jewish student.

Scott, the professor and adviser to Students for Justice in Palestine, warned against “the very false and dangerous equation of antisemitism and anti-Zionism.”

“Antisemitism is on the rise, as far as we can tell,” she said. “And it’s coming from right-wing, straight-up antisemitism. It’s not coming from nonviolent student protesters who are protesting genocide.”

In his Friday evening message, Garimella said he wanted “to ensure that the demonstrators at the (encampment) site do not unduly disrupt nor target their classmates or other members of the community.”

UVM “will not tolerate acts or threats of violence nor targeted harassment of others based on their identity or viewpoint,” Garimella warned. “Such actions will be swiftly addressed to the fullest extent of university policy and the law.”

‘What we do is talk’

As of Sunday, according to Students for Justice in Palestine, 91 tents were pitched on UVM’s Andrew Harris Commons. UVM has, thus far, taken no action to forcibly remove the encampment, although it maintains that tents are in violation of university policies around temporary structures on campus. 

On Friday, the university appeared to signal a firmer response to the protests. In his message, Garimella announced that UVM had begun disciplinary proceedings for students who “have persistently violated university policy” at the encampment.

“While I am grateful to the students and university leaders who have engaged in conversation, I note that the demonstration has been continuously in violation of university policies since its inception,” Garimella said.

Students for Justice in Palestine has announced plans for a Monday afternoon rally to protest the “reprehensible” disciplinary proceedings. In a statement posted to Instagram Sunday, the group said that multiple students had received notices of potential disciplinary actions, including protest leaders and “disproportionately students of color,” the group said.   

But, at least as of Monday morning, the situation on campus has not devolved into the violence and mass arrests that have taken place at other institutions around the country, including dramatic scenes at Dartmouth College , some 90 minutes southeast.

Erica Caloiero, UVM’s vice provost for student affairs, said last week that the university’s first priority was communication — making sure administrators and students understand each other.

“What we do is we talk,” she said. “We talk with students, first and foremost, and always.”

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Peter D'Auria

VTDigger's human services and health care reporter. More by Peter D'Auria